MPs concerned over ‘complex, vague’ compensation for tribal people

ISLAMABAD: The Special Committee on Development of erstwhile FATA on Tuesday raised concerns over the “complex and vague” compensation process for the rehabilitation of destructed markets, shops, houses in the tribal districts.

The director-general of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement department briefed the lawmakers about the rehabilitation efforts launched by the provincial government. He said that Rs95 billion have been distributed so far by the government.

Upon hearing this, a member of the committee asked about the audit of the released amount. Concerns about the survey method to compensate for destruction and demolition in tribal areas was also raised.

The committee member said that on the ground the situation was different as no amount has been paid for the reconstruction of the houses.

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At this, the committee unanimously expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the provincial government. While the chairman proposed that parliamentarians be taken on board regarding compensation and survey done in the former federally administered tribal areas.

Sadiq Khan, Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, proposed that all issues be listed down and the issues are sent to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. He said that the issues need to be prioritised.

MNA Shandana Gulzar said that the committee was formed to make life easier for the common people in the tribal areas as their employment is under threat. She also stated that the government is yet to compensate the people of Khyber, Bajur and other areas.

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While responding to calling attention notice of non-provision of 3 per cent NFC share for the development of erstwhile Fata, the representative of Finance Division briefed the participants about the 10th NFC meeting and allocation of 3 per cent share for the development of the tribal areas.

The committee wondered why a single line mentioned the allocation made to the tribal areas. The committee suggested that programmes and development schemes in the tribal areas be included in Public Sector Development Programmes.

Taking notice of the absence of representatives of Kamyab Jawan Programme representatives for a briefing, the committee recommended moving a Privilege Motion against joint secretary Kamyab Jawan Programme for not attending the meeting.

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Meanwhile, representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) briefed the participants about the tax concessions given to the tribal areas. At this, the committee suggested that an FBR facilitation centre be set up in the tribal areas.

The meeting was attended by Special Envoy for Afghanistan Sadiq khan, Senator Dost Muhammad Khan, MNAs Shandana Gulzar Khan, Dr Haider Ali Khan, Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Molana Jamul din, Jawad Hussain, Zafar Khan, Dr Aysha Ghaus Pasha, Abdul Shakoor and representatives of the finance division, PDMA KPK, FBR, PRSP, and NDMA.